You've got the booking, now you want to impress your renters so much that they will come again next year. Here are my top tips for preparing your property so it makes the right impression.
The most important thing by far is that your property is spotlessly, beautifully clean. Every surface shining, every spot and cobweb banished. Nothing is more off-putting than someone else's dirt.
Make a good first impression with a welcome pack. This can be celebratory (bottle of wine or champagne), functional (milk, butter, bread etc.), or both. Free is best, or you can offer to buy in certain items to be paid for on arrival.
It's worth buying good-quality towels for your rental home. They last longer, and they make a good impression. White towels often look best but can be harder to wash, especially when those mystery stains show up.
Have a small library of books on your area, from the major guidebooks to local histories. If you can't find them in shops, try Amazon, which is also excellent for second-hand and out-of-print books.
Take the time to write up-to-date information on how everything works in the property, under clear headings. Print out and place in a folder with plastic page-holders. It's also a good idea to write about recommended things to do/places to see nearby
Collect leaflets and brochures on local tourist attractions, sights worth seeing, maybe even restaurant menus, and place them somewhere prominent. Guests will add to the pile.
The weather is not always perfect so in-house entertainment like board games are always popular. You can buy second-hand and ' out of print' board games cheaply on auction websites like eBay. And don't forget a pack of playing cards.
Does the kitchen have everything you would have in it if you lived there? It should do! And plenty of extra glasses, because your renters are on holiday and don't want to be washing up all day.
Provide cleaning products, including dishwasher and washing detergent, toilet paper, etc. Renters will not appreciate having to buy all these things for just one week's stay.
If you cater to families, have cots and high chairs freely available. Charging for them may cause resentment because they are a necessity, not a luxury. You can buy these second-hand, they won't cost much.
